DOs and DON'Ts

DO feed on an elevated surface. Great Danes should be fed from an elevated feeder of some sort. As they grow so should the height of the bench you feed them on; bring the height up gradually for a puppy. As an adult the height of their bowl should 14 to 16 inches off the ground. This is easier on the Danes shoulders neck and back, and helps to prevent gulping of air or difficulty swallowing when eating.

DO limit your dog’s activity at least one hour prior to feeding and two hours after feeding. Insist they rest after food. Feed smaller meals 2-3 times a day; in the morning and in the evening, and a small meal mid day as a young dog.

DO give vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) with your dogs’ meals; 500mg per meal. Start at 250 mg for a puppy. Also a good vitamin/mineral tablet is fine, as are Omega 3 tablets and Omega 6 oil-but no calcium.

ALWAYS have fresh water available.

CAUTION: If your Dane has gas after eating, check for bloat (see here). If he/she has gas frequently, change the food you are feeding. Discontinue feeding meat. Change to milder lamb and rice formula or feed smaller meals more often. If the frequent gas does not go away, consult your veterinarian.

DO NOT feed young Great Danes “puppy food”. The high protein content can cause Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD), Panosteitis, Wobblers Syndrome or OCD. Your Dane will have growth, joint and internal problems later.

DO NOT give Calcium supplements. Danes grow very fast and supplements to speed up this process can cause serious bone problems.

Support Us.

It would be Great if you can help a Dane in need! Great Dane Rescue of Northern California is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization